VeriSign controls the database for generic top level domain
names (gTLDs), such as .com, .net and .org and has recently been
offering these in Chinese script. CNNIC controls the database for
the .cn country-code top level domain names, including those in
English and Chinese script. However, CNNIC also wants control of
any gTLDs written in Chinese script.
CNNIC has accused VeriSign of infringing China’s sovereignty and
introducing an inferior standard. Further, CNNIC’s intent is to
unify rules with other authorities in the Greater China Area
(including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) regarding supervision of
Chinese script domain names, although there are sceptics as to
CNNIC’c effectiveness in dealing with cybersquatting.
